DULAK – So much more than just a Fancy Dress shop!
Dulak was established in May 2004 when we, purchased a range of Fancy Dress costumes from a lady in Chelmsford, who was retiring. At first the intention was to run the business from the garage at home. After a couple of months this idea was clearly not going to work. The decision was made then to look for a suitable premises in Brackley, where the Fancy Dresses could be displayed and a range of accessories could be purchased that accompanied them. After a chance conversation we found that the lease on 24 High Street, Brackley, where we currently trade, was up for renewal. We secured the lease on 1st August 2004 and set to work to make the shop look how we wanted it to. On September 6th 2004 Dulak opened its doors to the general public.
The name Dulak which stands for ‘done up like a kipper’ was the inspired work of a guy called Phil Allen who I used to work with in his corporate clothing days. His firm also created the design for the little Kipperman which is to be seen in the window and on the main shop front.
The business itself has grown over the four years that we have been trading. I usually look after the shop, but Louise my wife can be found in there at peak times, such as Halloween, Christmas and some Saturday’s. Louise runs her own ironing business ‘Full Steam Ahead’.
We have both attended NABAS balloon courses, which have greatly enhanced our skills within this niche. It also means that we are able to offer our customers a wider range of choices and décor, when it comes to balloon work.
We decided that with the internet becoming more and more powerful as time passes, that it was time we updated the website. We decided to enlist the help of local web designer Neal Umney who owns www.ithomepage.co.uk In August 2008 the new website was launched. We are delighted with the results! The site is now much more informative and user friendly. Early 2009 we are hoping to launch an on-line buying facility.
Four years on and we are continuing to learn new things about the leisure industry. We receive magnificent support from our suppliers and are safe in the knowledge that their ordering and despatch systems are second to none.
We do hope that you find the site both helpful and informative and look forward to helping make your day a special one.
Dave and Louise Randall